Murkatta () is a headless ghost with eyes and mouth in chest and carrying its head tucked under its arm. Murkatta is mentioned in various Nepali culture and traditions. They are considered as the spirits from the dead.
The Murkatta is also interpreted as a person whose head has been cut down, symbolizing the defeat or a loss of intellect.
In contemporary culture and religion
The concept of Murkatta has inspired various works in contemporary culture, arts and literature. Some are listed below.
* In
Kathmandu
Kathmandu () is the capital and largest city of Nepal, situated in the central part of the country within the Kathmandu Valley. As per the 2021 Nepal census, it has a population of 845,767 residing in 105,649 households, with approximately 4 mi ...
, Nepal, a festival is celebrated on the day of
Ghode Jatra to scare away the ''Murkatta'' and prevent its evil eyes from the children.
* In
Varanasi
Varanasi (, also Benares, Banaras ) or Kashi, is a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world.*
*
*
* The city has a syncretic tradition of I ...
, India, a fifth century headless sculpture of the Buddha is worshipped as ''Murkatta Baba''.
* The Sisne mountain (Nepali:सिस्ने हिमाल) in
Rukum district
Rukum District () was a "hills" and "mountains" district some west of Kathmandu partially belonging to Lumbini Province and partially to Karnali Province before split into two districts Western Rukum and Eastern Rukum after the state's reco ...
is nicknamed as ''Murkatta'' in local language.
* ''Murkatta Lass'' is a Nepali book by Dirgabahu.
See also
*
Nepalese folklore
Nepali folklore is a diverse set of mythology and traditional beliefs held by the Nepali people.
Folk beliefs
* Banjhakri and Banjhakrini, supernatural shamans of the forest.
* ''Bir'', a demon
*''Boksi'', a witch
* Budhahang, legendary Kira ...
References
{{reflist
Culture of Nepal
Nepalese folklore
Nepalese legendary creatures